Of all Minis, which is BEST for HTPC?

[indychris]

I've currently got a 2010 mini and an older '08 that are both set up as HTPC units. I'm looking to use one of them as a file server, so I'm going to purchase another mini for HTPC.

What is surprising to me is that the older mini actually seems to do a better job of running EyeTV than the 2010.

So my question is this: there are several options out there in terms of new Minis, and obviously older minis are available as well. Which Mini will serve me best as an HTPC server, doing the best job at allowing simultaneous recording and watching or programming with EyeTV, etc? Is the Dual Core i7 with the AMD Radeon HD 6630M the better choice, or should I go with the Quad Core i7 with the Intel HD Graphics 3000?

I want dual HDDs, so the server model would be convenient, but I can always add a second drive myself post-purchase.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[philiparcario]

can you wait?

the 2012 server should have intel 4000 graphics. A better cpu and run cooler then the 2011. If it was sept 1 2011 I would say get the server. It is feb 2012. waiting for the new minis may be smart.
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[indychris]

[philiparcario]

yeah I have a server 2011 and a base 2011.

both use the intel 3000 graphics.

both are pretty quiet. the graphics are okay but not great.


the 2.5 and 2.7 midrange models are noisy.

they have heat issues

they also have better graphics.

if they are used for htpc the fan can be too loud.

the new models will have cooler cpus so maybe the noise issue will not be as

bad with the discrete gpus.
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[Bandit Bill]

This is all news to me.

I've never heard anyone complain about a current gen mini, having heat issues and as a result, being too loud to be a HTPC.

I'd be interested to know what other people think.

[blazer]

The 2011 model with dedicated graphics runs warmer, but I've never really read anyone complain about fan noise. In fact, I think the fans are running quieter than ever. My 2009 Mac mini with a 7200RPM drive is much louder than my new Mac mini. Both with the fan and the acoustics of the drive spinning. You know, I think my 2010 MacBook Pro is even louder.
_________________
1.42GHz Mac mini
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Mac mini
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Mac mini (2009)
2.5GHz Core i5 Mac mini (2011)
24" Dell LCD & 42" Sharp TV
EyeTV 250 Plus
1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G iPod nanos
16GB 3G iPhone